A day at a shooting range can be an exciting solo event or a great way to bond with a group. Whether you’re an avid gun enthusiast or still need to learn how to shoot a gun, use these basic tips to prepare for your first trip to a shooting range and find a quality range in Massachusetts. Schedule a group event or hit the range on your own to learn more about fun, safe shooting.
Apply Gun Safety Practices
There are four basic principles of gun safety. If you’ve never handled a gun or never been taught how to properly handle one, you may endanger yourself and those around you. Follow these rules, and you can enjoy a very safe day at the shooting range:
Verify your target and that there is a safe backstop behind it.
Never put your finger on the trigger until you’re ready to fire.
Treat every firearm as a loaded weapon.
Don’t take aim until you’re at the firing line and your line of fire is clear.
These may sound basic, but they are critical to keeping you and your party safe. Handling a firearm and not following these rules puts everyone around you in danger.
Select the Right First-Time Pistol
The sheer amount of firearms available can be bewildering to first-time firearm users. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your access to firearms, try to select a large version of a small-caliber pistol.
For example, a larger model of a .22 caliber pistol has the least amount of recoil. A compact 9 mm, .22 caliber, or .38 caliber pistol may seem like the most convenient option, but the small frame of the firearm makes the recoil seem more intense.
Wear the Proper Attire
Shooting practice may not feel like an active sport, but you should still wear active clothing to the range. Stray cartridges can fly back toward you or toward your feet, so pants and closed-toed shoes are essential. V-neck shirts are another common issue at the range. While rare, a stray cartridge could be sent toward your collar area, causing burns or discomfort if wearing a V-neck shirt.
Join a Shooting Range Group or Bring a Friend
Target shooting is a group event. Plan to make a friend if you go alone or, if you’re unsure about your first trip to a range, bring along an experienced friend. A friend who knows the ropes can help prepare you and assist you in selecting the best firearm and local range for your first shooting range experience.
A trip to the shooting range is a great idea for a bachelor party, company trip, or other group events. Bond with your friends or make new ones while taking aim at targets with your favorite firearm. Traveling to a local shooting range is safer than setting up your own range, particularly as a first-time shooter. It’s also a convenient place to get all the safety training you need to safely, confidently handle a firearm.
Choose a Quality Shooting Range in Massachusetts
If you’re looking for a range in West Springfield, stop by Hot Brass. Enjoy spacious 90-foot lanes, take a safety class, and learn rifle shooting tips at our quality location. Contact us to learn more about our range or to schedule a class or trip to the range to take aim at targets in a comfortable and safe shooting area near you.
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